Monday, 1 February 2010

Nigeria in Costume

Some plates from “Nigeria in Costume” published by the Shell Company of Nigeria to mark Nigerian Independence in 1960 and with a foreword by the then Prime Minister Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa. Fifty years on this book is a very obscure curiosity and I was pleased to find a copy in one of the few surviving bookshops in Charing Cross Road. The plates are of paintings by John Danford.

A Yoruba oba (king.)

Festival dress for the Ekong dance, Ibibio

A District Head - Kano

The Akpan Masquerade Womens’ Dress - Efik

Akenzua II – Oba of Benin

Agbada Dress - Yoruba

Yoruba Girl

Chief Ekperegin Olu Warri Osemme of Warri - Urhobo

Ilorin Weaver

An Egba Chief wearing the ceremonial dress of the Ogboni fraternity - Yoruba

About Me

Adire African Textiles is a small London based gallery dedicated solely to exploring the vintage textile traditions of sub-Saharan Africa. We work with a network of partners throughout West Africa to source exceptional museum quality textiles for clients that include leading museums worldwide, private collectors, and interior designers.